Starting a Business

Advice on how to start your own business, with guides to help you plan, develop and finance a start-up company, plus recommendations on registering the business, its legal structure and finding financial backing for growth. Whether you are just beginning or have already taken the first steps and want to keep everything on track, our expert articles will give you the knowledge to help lead you to success, whilst maintaining a good work-life balance.

Starting a business can initially seem daunting, but with good support and a strong idea you can quickly pass through the key stages of the setting-up process and be able to launch your company with a solid foundation.

Topics covered include: regulations and requirements for company owners, finding and selecting the professional services you may need (such as banking, insurance, accountancy etc.), legal structure options (self-employed person, sole trader, a partnership or a limited company), business planning, UK start up funding sources and finding your first customers.

How LegalZoom protects your private address – keep your home safe

Don’t offer your home address as your business address. Protect your privacy and that of your family by using a Registered Agent service

Starting a Business

Protecting your privacy – keep your business address separate

We all shield our personal lives on social media, so why should your business be any different? LegalZoom’s Registered Agent protects your personal address.

Work life balance

3 ways to look after staff wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis

The government’s announcement that key workers can carry over statutory annual leave into the next two years is welcome, says Steve Arnold. But you want to encourage staff to take holiday even when self-isolating

Starting a Business

Start your company the simple way

Forming your own company can be overwhelming for anybody starting out. LegalZoom has a range of packages to make starting a limited company as easy as possible.

Setting up a company

Starting a beauty business: mobile vs salon

Salon Gold explores the pros and cons of starting a mobile beauty business vs starting up a salon on the high street.

Advice

The GOAT (greatest of all time) guide on how to start a home business

Starting a new business from home needs lots of preparation, from setting up a limited company to health and safety and being compliant. Here is an easy guide on how to start a home business

Advice

Does my small business require a licence?

Licences are one of the first things you should research when you're starting your small business. Here's what you need to know

Starting a Business

How I started my business – Zaffrin O’Sullivan, Five Dot Botanics

Zaffrin O’Sullivan created her skincare brand Five Dot Botanics to answer a consumer need for transparency and simplicity in ingredients. Today, her brand is stocked in Holland & Barrett health food stores

Advice

Does my small business require a licence?

Licences are one of the first things you should research when you're starting your small business. Here's what you need to know

Starting a Business

How I started my business – Zaffrin O’Sullivan, Five Dot Botanics

Starting a Business

How I started my business – The Little Black & White Book Project

Ruth Bradford started her award-winning business because she was dissatisfied with board books for babies available on the market. Today, The Little Black and White Book Project imprint sells nationwide through bookshops as well as direct through her website

Starting a Business

7 start-up mistakes and how to avoid them

Setting up your business can feel overwhelming with hundreds of things to do simultaneously. Bringing in outside expertise can lighten your load and help you avoid costly mistakes

Success stories

Sara Davies of Dragons’ Den 7 tips for small business

Sara Davies, the latest investor on Dragons’ Den, began her company aged 21 while still at university. Today, Crafter’s Companion has become a £35m business. Sara shares 7 tips for other entrepreneurs setting out on their own

Advice